as in monarchs
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir
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Recent Examples of rulers
Demonstrations sparked in late December by anger over economic hardship exploded into mass protests against Iran's Islamic rulers.
—
Olivia Young, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
While being given a tour of Lagado, the capital of Balnibari, Gulliver is taken to the Academy of the Projectors, where the rulers hope to profit from the technological wonders of pure science.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
In addition to Wonder, Janet Jackson also stopped collecting rulers after 10.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The video has been shared millions of times across platforms such as X, Instagram and Reddit, with many viewers seeing it as a stark act of defiance against Iran’s clerical rulers.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Jan. 2026
The satellite service has expanded rapidly in recent years, securing licenses in more than 120 countries, including some with authoritarian rulers who have persecuted journalists and protesters.
—David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Below is a look at the acts with the most rulers since the Regional Mexican Airplay chart launched in 1994.
—Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Neither Saudi nor the UAE has a free press, and both enforce strict laws governing social media posts that are deemed to threaten national security or defame their rulers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Taken together, Rubio’s remarks offer the clearest public picture yet of how Washington intends to use oil, sanctions and political incentives not just to pressure Venezuela’s rulers, but to actively manage the country’s path out of crisis.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Olivia Young, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
While being given a tour of Lagado, the capital of Balnibari, Gulliver is taken to the Academy of the Projectors, where the rulers hope to profit from the technological wonders of pure science.
—Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
In addition to Wonder, Janet Jackson also stopped collecting rulers after 10.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The video has been shared millions of times across platforms such as X, Instagram and Reddit, with many viewers seeing it as a stark act of defiance against Iran’s clerical rulers.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Jan. 2026
The satellite service has expanded rapidly in recent years, securing licenses in more than 120 countries, including some with authoritarian rulers who have persecuted journalists and protesters.
—David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Below is a look at the acts with the most rulers since the Regional Mexican Airplay chart launched in 1994.
—Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Neither Saudi nor the UAE has a free press, and both enforce strict laws governing social media posts that are deemed to threaten national security or defame their rulers.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Taken together, Rubio’s remarks offer the clearest public picture yet of how Washington intends to use oil, sanctions and political incentives not just to pressure Venezuela’s rulers, but to actively manage the country’s path out of crisis.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rulers
Noun
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This year’s wintertime monarchs were announced Friday night at a coronation at the RiverCentre.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
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The grandeur of the public rooms echoes in suites fit for monarchs—or movie stars.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom —drawing in the ruthless kings of other Scandinavian countries and even a powerful English ruler — the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling, and utterly magical new Norse saga.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
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Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently questioned whether Americans know the difference between presidents and kings.—
Jamie Holmes,
Twin Cities,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Known for its perfectly fitting stone bricks, the site was built in the 15th century by the Incas and served as a sanctuary for the nation’s emperors.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
31 Dec. 2025
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For young emperors of ice cream, there’s a jump rope that has ice-cream-cone handles ($12) and a pencil sharpener shaped like an ice-cream truck ($24).—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
15 Nov. 2025
Noun
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And the reason for that is that the default data and the default experience does not coincide with the ratings that the ratings agencies attribute to African sovereigns.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
13 Nov. 2025
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Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has similarly dropped into deep curtsies when meeting other sovereigns on trips abroad.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rulers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rulers. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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